Gippsland general practices will be offered one-off grants between $25,000 and $50,000 to expand patient access and improve general practice services.
The federal government has committed $220 million in funding to general practices and ACCOs to make improvements to support quality primary care as part of its Strengthening Medicare commitment.
Gippsland Primary Health Network acting chief executive, Angela Jacob, said general practice was the cornerstone of the primary healthcare system as well as the most accessed care for consumers.
“General practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients in the health system, providing primary and preventative care, advice, education and referrals,” Mrs Jacob said.
“Our GPs continually show how responsive and adaptive they are, which was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know the demand for GP services keeps growing, especially as our population ages, and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the government to offer these grants for practices to expand patient access and provide better, safe, quality care.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, announced details of the grants on April 20.
“After working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, doctors deserve more than thanks, that’s why we’re giving them the resources to invest in their practices,” he said.
“The $220 million investment will give a much-needed boost to general practices across the country.
“We understand the crucial importance of primary health care provided by GPs. This funding will help improve practices and make sure Australians can access safe, quality and affordable healthcare when and where they need it.”
Funding for eligible general practices is based on practice size, and can be used to make an investment in innovation, training, equipment, and minor capital works.
This includes initiatives to:
Enhance digital health capability – to fast-track the benefits of a more connected healthcare system in readiness to meet future standards;
Upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements – to ensure infectious respiratory disease (e.g. COVID, influenza) patients can be safely seen face-to-face, and/or;
Maintain and/or achieve accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for General Practice, under the General Practice Accreditation Scheme, to promote quality and safety in general practice.
The program is being administered by Gippsland PHN, with applications now open and applications packs sent to all Gippsland general practices inviting them to participate.
Applications close on June 15.
Practices can reach Gippsland PHN for further information by emailing primarycareresponse@gphn.org.au
